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'Reinvent yourself'

McKenzie eventually retired from football in 2013 after an 18-year career and subsequently reinvented himself as a successful professional boxer.

His dad Clinton, who he describes as his "best friend," was a British and European champion and reached the 1976 Olympic final, losing to Sugar Ray Leonard, considered by many one of the greatest boxers of all time.

"I think he's always had boxing in his blood," he says of his son.

Of his 11 professional fights, McKenzie won eight, including a bout against Ivan Stupalo for the International Masters super middleweight title.

Leon McKenzie celebrates his victory over Kelvin Young in 2016.

"With boxing, what it provided at a time in my life was extraordinary," he says.

"I think my advice to anyone who has lost themselves in life, is to reinvent yourself. And that's exactly what I did.

"Men have this pride factor that comes into play, and that's what I'm trying to change."

McKenzie is starring in a documentary called "Ten Count," which looks at the mental health issues involved in the downward spiral of a sports star.

"I know that it's going to open up a lot of doors for men to be able to come forward and have the confidence to be able to speak.

"If you can make someone feel better through generosity or life experiences, I think that's pretty inspiring. i

"It's a nice inner peace that you hold through your own journey because you know that, through what you've spoken about, is going to help another person, if not save a life."

Copa90 has been working with mental health charity Maytree to try and help tackle suicide in young men.